Gifts are a big part of Christmas. We shop for gifts, give gifts and look forward to receiving gifts. The practice of gift giving at Christmastime finds its origins in the Magi who brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the infant Jesus (Mt 2:11); and in St. Nicholas, who gave his wealth to the poor, food to the hungry, encouragement to prisoners and three separate gifts of gold to a father to pay the dowry for his three daughters. The single greatest gift of Christmas is Jesus himself, the gift of the Father to the human race.

When I was about 10, my father — bless his generous heart — bought me something I had wanted my entire young life: a Pinto, a particular breed of horse with large patches of white, black and brown. This Pinto was named Windy. We spotted her ad in the paper that spring; she was in foal, trained to ride and drive. This last bit was important because the horse who usually pulled our sleigh had died. Windy was a bargain with a foal to boot. Two horses for the price of one. Dad got on the phone and bought her “sight unseen.”

Nine different parishes around the metro area will host Masses for the tradition, known as “Simbang Gabi,” meaning “Mass at dawn.” As in the Philippines, most of the Masses will be followed by food. But they’ll take place in the evening, when people are more likely able to attend.